Hey there guys - just wondering if the '97 4runner has a cabin filter and if so do you know where its located? I checked behind the glove compartment but no dice. Thanks.

No 3rd gen 4Runners have a cabin filter from the factory.

Not that I know of, nope.

You just clean the fan.

4Runners.org - Cleaning Your Interior Fan Unit

I just cleaned mine and wow, made a huge difference......my AC about freezes me out now. I think everyone should do this every so often.

I should do this with mine.

Thanks for posting that link, mine has been making a noise and definitely needs a cleaning!

Thanks for the link - I'm sure mine is ready for a cleaning as well.

I just did this due to the fact my fan swallowed two acorn husks and sounded like an Airbus on take-off roll. I disagree with Bob's write-up. There is no reason to remove the glove box, it really doesn't help. You DO need to pull the right kick panel.

1. Remove two forward screws from the plastic trim along the door opening, and lift the front edge away from the bottom of the kick panel.

2. Pull the kick panel BACKWARDS about two inches, which is all it easily goes. Then raise the bottom sideways towards the center console until it is loose.

3. Then remove the three screws and lower the fan. Ideal implement for removal of the three screws is a 1/4" ratchet, short extension, and a T25 bit. It looks like an 8mm hex would also work, but the Torx #25 works great.

Surprisingly, although the fan had never been cleaned in the 15 years I have owned the truck, it was almost pristine, just a light coating of dust.

I cleaned my fan last night after seeing this thread. Tested the AC today, it was nice not having a funky dirt smell filling the cabin after I turned off the AC!

Thanks for the link jonnieguns that really helped out. I scoured the internet trying to figure out if the '97 had a cabin filter and gave up and just opened the glove box. Little did I know the filter was right there and could be cleaned out like you said. Gonna do that this weekend, thanks!